“To see you grow”

"Papa, did you go to a university?"

"No. I migrated to this country when I was fourteen years old. I had to do odd jobs, and do janitorial work in one of the store at the corner."

"But, even if you did not go to school formally, you can read newspaper and sign a bank book. You even have more money than those who graduated from college."

"My son, sometimes, we can attribute that to luck. But more than having gifted with a hefty size of luck, even if I did not go to college, I read books on my own, and practice writing at night. I practice memorizing the multiplication table while driving the truck. I never gave up my dream to learn. I knew going to college is not part of it, but I tried my best to understand the rule of commerce, of profit, and of the banking system."

"Did you ever have problems with the law?"

"No. I made sure I do and act in the same way other people do. I never did rash things. And, I always kept my promise to anyone. If I owe them anything, I make an effort to return it, even if I have to starve myself to death."

"And my son, most of all, no matter what skill level I was at, I made sure I did not do any of the vices like drinking, womanizing, gambling, etc. I avoided people who might influence me in a negative way. I was most of the time alone. But I was never lonely. I fill up my time reading and studying."

"Oh, I got a secret. I tried to do favor to those who are wealthy. In the process, it is they who gave me a chance to be where I am now."

"Papa, but why do you insist that I do well in college when you did not go to any school?"

"Because, I do not want you to go through the uncertainties and ignorance of life. With a good education, you can enjoy your life with meaning. You may not become wealthy, but you will see the world differently from how I am seeing it. My son, I see life merely as buying, selling, and profit. I am leading a very simple life, and sometimes, almost ignorant of the meaning of life."

"When I came to this country, I did not have a family, no father, no mother, no sisters and brother. I was alone. Now, I have you and your mother. And, my only happiness is to see you grow."

"Ring - ring - ring." Was that a dream?" "Did I miss my Dad?" It is now 7:00 in the morning and I have to rush to the university. Suddenly, my mind shifted to the exam papers I have to check, and the journal article I have to submit. Then, life goes on with a simple breakfast.